Trader Joe's "OG" Aged Goat Cheese Recipe (Cheese Board Essential)
🧀 This aged goat cheese changed my cheese board game! Unlike the soft, spreadable goat cheese you know, Trader Joe's "OG" is firm, crumbly, and deeply tangy with nutty undertones. It slices clean for crackers and melts beautifully over roasted vegetables. If you thought goat cheese was only for spreading, this aged version will surprise you.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- fresh goat milk 1 gallon
- cheese culture (mesophilic) 1 tsp
- liquid rennet 1 tsp
- calcium chloride (for pasteurized milk) 0.5 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
- kosher salt 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
1 g
4%
Protein
7 g
25%
Fat
8 g
71%
Cooking steps
-
1
Warm the fresh goat milk in a large pot to 77°F, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. TJ's insider tip: Gentle warming preserves the unique tanginess, matching the OG's flavor profile.
-
2
Stir in calcium chloride if using pasteurized milk, then sprinkle mesophilic cheese culture over the surface and let it rehydrate for 2 minutes. Stir well to blend.
-
3
Add liquid rennet and stir gently for 30 seconds. Cover and let the milk sit undisturbed at 77–80°F for 60 minutes, or until the curd sets and pulls clean from the sides.
-
4
Cut the curd into 1/2-inch cubes, then let them rest for 10 minutes. Carefully stir and slowly heat to 95°F over 30 minutes, gently turning for a firmer, crumbly texture—TJ's-style technique for sliceable aging.
-
5
Drain off the whey using a cheesecloth-lined colander. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over curds and mix in. Press into a cheese mold, applying light pressure, then refrigerate.
-
6
Age cheese in your fridge for 30 days (or up to 3 months for extra firmness), flipping daily and brushing the rind with cheesecloth to mimic Trader Joe's signature clean flavor and nutty finish.
-
7
Once aged, remove from mold. Slice for your cheese board or crumble over roasted vegetables—just like the viral TJ's finds.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this homemade cheese actually taste like Trader Joe's "OG" (Old Goat) Aged Goat Cheese?
Yes! By aging the goat milk curds with mesophilic culture and gentle salt, you'll achieve the signature crumbly, tangy, and nutty profile that defines TJ's "OG" cheese. The specific technique for slow warming and daily flipping mimics Trader Joe's unique finish.
Q. Where can I find the ingredients to make this aged goat cheese at home?
Fresh goat milk can be sourced from specialty grocers or farmers’ markets. Cheese culture, liquid rennet, and calcium chloride are available at cheese-making supply stores or online. Kosher salt is easy to find in most supermarkets, making this recipe accessible for affordable homemade gourmet.
Q. Can I make this cheese year-round even if Trader Joe's "OG" (Old Goat) Aged Goat Cheese is out of stock?
Absolutely! The aging method in your own fridge lets you enjoy this cheese any season, so you're never without a cheese board essential—even when Trader Joe’s rotates out their cult favorite. Just allow 30–90 days for aging.
Q. What are the nutrition benefits of this copycat goat cheese?
Each 30g serving has about 110 kcal, 1g carbs (4%), 7g protein (25%), and 8g fat (71%), making it a low-carb, high-protein cheese that's great for cheese boards and adds gourmet flair without overindulging.
Q. How do I store the homemade "OG" Aged Goat Cheese and how long does it last?
After aging, wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in a sealed container and check for dryness or mold—batch-making lets you enjoy your TJ's-inspired cheese board for weeks!
